Sumin

Sumin is a South Korean singer and actress, best known as the leader of the K-pop girl group STAYC. Since debuting in 2020, she has helped define the group's sound and image, contributing to hits like "Stereotype" and "Teddy Bear." Her leadership and stable vocals have earned her a dedicated fanbase. As of 2026, she continues to lead STAYC through new music releases and international tours.[edit]

Sumin was born in Pohang, a coastal city in South Korea. She attended Hanlim Multi Art School, a prestigious performing arts high school in Seoul, graduating in 2020. During her school years, she developed a passion for singing and dancing, which led her to audition for entertainment agencies. She was eventually accepted into High Up Entertainment as a trainee, where she underwent rigorous training in vocals, choreography, and stage presence. Her selection as the leader of the yet-to-debut group STAYC marked a turning point, as she prepared alongside members Sieun, Isa, Seeun, Yoon, and J for their debut.[edit]

Sumin debuted as a member of STAYC on November 18, 2020, with the single album Star to a Young Culture. The group quickly gained traction with their "teen-fresh" concept and strong vocal performances. Their breakthrough came in September 2021 with the single album Stereotype, whose title track topped South Korean music charts and earned the group widespread recognition. Subsequent releases like Young-Luv.com (2022) and Teddy Bear (2023) solidified STAYC's place in the K-pop scene. Sumin, as leader, has been central to the group's identity, guiding performances and public appearances. In 2024, STAYC released their third EP Teenz-up and single album So Bad, continuing their momentum.[edit]

Sumin is recognized for her "girl-next-door" charm combined with a charismatic stage persona. Media often portrays her as a reliable and talented leader. Her social media presence on Instagram (@baesuminiee) is upbeat and engaging, where she shares behind-the-scenes moments and personal updates. Fans appreciate her stable live vocals and positive influence within the group. The STAYC fandom, known as SWITH, often praises her leadership and dedication.[edit]

Sumin currently holds no placement in the iFANN Global Top 1,000 rankings or any published Top-100 scope list. The iFANN Global Fame Engine has evaluated her standing as of August 2026, yet she does not occupy a numbered position among the world's most famous personalities at this time. This absence from the ranked lists reflects the specific metrics used by the engine rather than a lack of public recognition. While individual members of K-pop groups often accumulate massive followings, the evaluation places Sumin within a tier where precise global ranking data is not currently assigned to her name alone. Her fame remains deeply tied to the collective identity of STAYC rather than a standalone numerical rank. The group operates under a unified fanbase known as SWITH, a name established by High Up Entertainment to signify a bond where supporters stay with the group through all circumstances. There is no separate or unofficial fandom name documented specifically for Sumin; fans identify collectively as SWITH regardless of their preference for individual members. This collective organization has demonstrated significant capacity for coordinated action, particularly during major tours like "STAY TUNED," where large crowds displayed visual coordination with bright pink attire and thematic accessories. Sumin served as the original leader from the group's debut until 2023, acting as a confident messenger for the group's progress and direction. Her personal social media presence on Instagram provides a direct line of communication with followers, though no unique rituals or fan-only events exclusive to her have been recorded. The cultural narrative surrounding her focuses on her tenure as the first leader and her integral role in the group's successful discography and global expansion.[edit]

Sumin's nickname among fans is "Suminie," a cute variation of her name that reflects her bright and energetic personality, often described as the group's mood maker. Outside of music, she has a keen interest in fashion and is frequently praised for her stylish looks. She maintains a habit of writing down lyrics and ideas in a notebook, preserving creative thoughts for future projects. Sumin is also a dedicated fan of animated films, often referencing them during interviews. A notable chapter in her biography involves her tenure as the group's leader from their debut until 2023, marking her responsibility during STAYC's initial rise. The song "RUN2U" stands as a viral hit that defined the group's identity and contributed to their meteoric rise, with Sumin performing as a core member during this period. The release of their first full-length album, "Metamorphic," marked a new chapter of confidence and charisma for the group, further cementing her role in their history. During the "STAY TUNED" World Tour, massive crowds and enthusiastic reactions were observed, though these moments are attributed to the group STAYC as a whole rather than isolated incidents involving only her.[edit]

Sumin keeps her family life private. She has not publicly disclosed details about her parents or siblings. As of 2026, she lives in Seoul, South Korea, with her fellow STAYC members in a shared dormitory. She has not mentioned any pets.[edit]

Sumin is the leader of STAYC, alongside members Sieun, Isa, Seeun, Yoon, and J. The group was formed under High Up Entertainment and produced by Black Eyed Pilseung.[edit]

As of 2026, Sumin has no publicly confirmed romantic relationships. She has maintained a private personal life, with no reports of past dating, engagements, or marriages. Like many K-pop idols, she focuses on her career and group activities.[edit]

As of 2026, iFANN currently estimates Sumin's net worth at $2 Million. Her primary income derives from her activities with STAYC, encompassing album sales, streaming revenue, concert tours, and brand endorsements. While individual earnings for K-pop idols are often speculative, the growing popularity of STAYC suggests her financial standing has increased steadily since debut. She also generates revenue from personal appearances and social media promotions. This valuation represents an editorial analysis of her current market position within the entertainment industry.[edit]